Kenneth S. Goodson Obituary, Death – Authorities in Pulaski County are investigating a single-vehicle accident that claimed the life of a local man over the weekend. The Virginia State Police (VSP) confirmed that the crash occurred late Saturday morning and continues to be under investigation as officials work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic event.
According to reports from the VSP, the incident happened around 9:49 a.m. on Route 11, close to the intersection with Cougar Trail Road. Preliminary findings indicate that a 1999 Oldsmobile 88 was heading south on Route 11 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the right side of the roadway, and in an attempt to correct its course, it overcompensated, causing the driver to lose control once again. The vehicle then crossed over the center median, where it left the road on the opposite side.
Authorities say the car eventually struck a tree with significant force, splitting the vehicle into two sections and sparking a fire. Emergency responders, including law enforcement and fire personnel, quickly arrived on the scene, but despite their efforts, the driver did not survive. He was later identified by the Virginia State Police as 50-year-old Kenneth S. Goodson of Pulaski.
Investigators noted that Goodson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. While the official cause has not been confirmed, VSP troopers continue to analyze the evidence to determine what factors contributed to the accident. They have not released information suggesting that other vehicles were involved.
Fire crews at the scene worked quickly to extinguish the flames and ensure that the fire did not spread to nearby grass or wooded areas. The section of Route 11 near Cougar Trail Road was temporarily closed while first responders worked to clear the wreckage and investigators conducted on-site examinations. Traffic was redirected to alternate routes for several hours.
Local residents reported seeing emergency vehicles rush to the area shortly after the crash occurred. One witness described hearing a loud noise followed by the sight of smoke rising near the highway. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office assisted state police in managing the scene and directing traffic during the response effort.
Officials have not yet determined whether weather, speed, or mechanical issues played a role in the incident. However, VSP emphasized that every detail is being reviewed to piece together a full understanding of what happened. Investigators will also be looking into the vehicle’s condition and the moments leading up to the loss of control.
Authorities used the opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of wearing seatbelts, which they said can significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of a serious crash. “Seatbelts save lives,” a VSP spokesperson noted in a public statement, adding that seatbelt use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injury and death on the road.
As the investigation continues, the community of Pulaski is mourning the loss of one of its residents. Friends and family members are remembering Goodson as someone who was known and loved in the area.
Police have not released any further details but plan to provide updates once the full report is completed. Route 11 has since reopened, and authorities have cleared all debris from the area.
The Virginia State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed the Oldsmobile before the incident to reach out to assist in their ongoing investigation. The case remains open as troopers work to finalize their findings.
